Castles around Herstappe offer a glimpse into historical architecture and beautifully maintained grounds in Belgium's smallest municipality. The region features a diverse landscape, providing a historical context for these structures. These castles are situated in the surrounding areas, showcasing centuries of heritage. The area is characterized by its historical significance and natural setting.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Just outside the village center of Widooie, on Kasteelweg, lies the beautifully preserved Widooie Castle: a secluded castle farm with deep historical roots. Four wings surrounding a rectangular courtyard form a harmonious whole, with marlstone bands, ornate wall anchors, and a stately gate dating from 1662 where the coat of arms of Richard Vaes still proudly stands. The corner tower, the classically renovated residential wing, and the 17th-century barns together tell the story of a place where generations have come and gone for centuries.
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The castle belonged to the goods of the abbey of Corbie, which were given in leasehold by the abbot to Godfried van Bocholtz in 1559. The castle was sold in 1588 to Hendrik Vaes-Valck, mayor of Tongeren. He began rebuilding the castle. The work was completed by Richard Vaes-van den Hove, as indicated on the facade stone with his coat of arms above the entrance gate (1662). It is said that the actual castle extended south of the current buildings, on the site of the current garden, and was completely destroyed in a fire in 1670 and not rebuilt. The castle remained in the possession of the Vaes family until 1816. See also: https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/37615
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The imposing castle of Betho was originally a moated castle. The residential domain is symmetrically laid out and consists of the castle, a square farm and a park with a pond. The current buildings mainly date from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The marlstone corner tower is a remnant of the medieval castle. The castle is named after its first resident Arnold van Betu, popularly known as 'Betho'.
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visible from the road with a bench and trash can to take a break
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Hex Castle is one of the most beautiful and best preserved estates in Belgium. The castle is attributed to the Liège architect Etienne Fayn and dates from around 1775. It was built as a hunting lodge for Prince-Bishop François-Charles de Velbrück. It is surrounded by period gardens, a vegetable garden with an original vegetable cellar and a landscape park by Louis Fuchs, known for its collection of old and wild roses and age-old exotics. The annual garden days/plant fair are an opportunity for many to meet friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere - and in the exceptional setting of these historic gardens - to discover special plants and to seek advice from growers and specialists. More: - https://www.visitsinttruiden.be/aanbod/tuinen-van-kasteel-van-hex/ - https://www.hex.be/ - https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/32081
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The castle consists of four wings built of brick and provided with curled wall anchors. The whole is covered by hipped roofs of slate. The southern corner tower is topped by a bell-shaped spire while the other three corner towers have a tent roof. Each corner tower is crowned by a roof turret. The southern corner tower is built of marlstone and dates from the 15th century, the other parts of the castle are the result of thorough adjustments in the 17th century. The front facade of the castle on the southeastern side has two floors and is thirteen bays wide. Above each bay is a dormer window. The middle bay was converted into a monumental entrance gate at the beginning of the 18th century by Frans van Hinnisdael, Count of Betho. This gate was provided with a rectangular frame spread over two floors. In the second floor is a rectangular window with balustrade. The whole is crowned by a pediment showing the coat of arms of the van Hinnisdael family. The other wings of the castle date from the middle of the 17th century, these wings are also built of brick and marlstone. The farm dates back to the 17th century. The buildings are built of brick and have hipped and saddle roofs covered with slates. The northwestern facade of the farm contains a central round-arched entrance gate with a limestone frame. On either side of this entrance gate are living areas that protrude from the facade like risalits.
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The castle of Heks is a Belgian castle, located in the village of Heks (part of Heers) in the province of Limburg. The palatial castle was built from 1770, probably by the Liège architect Etienne Fayen, for the Prince-Bishop of Liège Franciscus Karel de Velbrück. As a lover of nature, the Prince-Bishop chose this place in the slightly hilly Haspengouw to build his summer residence and pleasure garden. He had a Chinese garden, a rose garden and a vegetable garden laid out there. Later, the castle was embellished with one of the first landscape parks on the European mainland, inspired by the English garden architecture of Capability Brown. He died on his estate in 1784. The estate is owned by the d'Ursel family. The rose garden now (2004) has an exceptional assortment of rose varieties, the oldest of which were present in the original garden. The gardens and park are open to the public during the first weekend in June and the second weekend in September. The castle features in Harry Kümel's 1968 film Monsieur Hawarden.
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Located just outside the city, in the middle of a beautifully preserved landscape. Impressive, partially moated castle with farm, symmetrically laid out: castle and farm are built around two connecting courtyards, the castle to the southeast, the farm to the northwest. The castle has a tower on each corner. Access to each section is at both ends of the central southwest-northeast axis. First mentioned in 1267 as Betue. It was a Liège fief, successively owned by the families Betho, Huwenial (1417), Betho (1442), Oyembrugge (1524), Krafft (1598), de Simonis (mid-17th century), de Hinnisdael (1691), van der Gracht (1728), the Hinnisdael (1748), the Copis (1828). In 1412 the castle is mentioned as "une maison et cour", in 1478 a tower is added, probably the current southern corner tower, almost entirely made of marl stone, the only remainder of this original building. The other buildings and the barn of the farm date from a subsequent building campaign (mid-17th century). The southeast wing of the castle and the farm date from the second half of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century. These parts are probably the result of the building activities of Pierre de Simonis (+ 1691) and his heir François de Hinnisdael (1691-1720). The castle groups its buildings around a courtyard (not open to visitors). Brick buildings, anchored by means of wrought iron wall anchors with curls, under hipped roofs (slate); the corner towers have tent roofs, the south tower has a bell-shaped roof, each crowned with a roof turret. The mid-17th century buildings are brick and marlstone constructions, equipped with bands, corner blocks, profiled cornice on ojief-shaped consoles and rectangular windows in a marlstone frame with nave blocks and cockscomb. Source: https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/37305
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The region around Herstappe features a diverse range of historical castles, including moated designs, secluded castle farms, and elegant 18th-century estates. These structures showcase various architectural styles and historical periods, offering a glimpse into centuries of heritage.
Yes, Heks Castle is particularly renowned for its period gardens, including a vegetable garden with an original cellar and a landscape park designed by Louis Fuchs. This park is famous for its collection of old and wild roses and ancient exotic plants, and it was one of the first landscape parks on the European mainland inspired by English garden architecture. The gardens and park are typically open to the public during the first weekend of June and the second weekend of September.
Heks Castle is considered one of Belgium's most beautiful and well-preserved estates, built around 1770. Castle of Betho is an impressive, partially moated castle with a tower on each corner, first mentioned in 1267, showcasing medieval origins and a symmetrical layout. Widooie Castle is a well-preserved, secluded castle farm with four wings enclosing a rectangular courtyard, featuring a stately gate from 1662.
Access varies by castle. For example, the gardens and park of Heks Castle are open to the public during specific weekends in June and September. However, the courtyard of Castle of Betho is not open to visitors, and the castle itself is generally not open to the public. It's best to check specific opening times and accessibility for each castle before planning your visit.
Many castles, including Heks Castle and Lexhy Castle, are listed as family-friendly. Their expansive grounds and historical significance can provide an engaging experience for families. The gardens of Heks Castle, in particular, offer beautiful spaces for exploration.
The region around Herstappe offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, with options ranging from easy to moderate, such as the 'Water retention basin on the Jeker loop from Herstappe'. For cyclists, there are gravel biking routes, including challenging ones like the 'Alden Biesen Gatehouse – Cycling through the Mechelse Heide loop from Tongeren'. You can explore more options on the hiking guide and gravel biking guide for Herstappe.
While specific routes directly through castle grounds might be limited, many hiking and running trails in the Herstappe region pass by or offer views of these historical sites. For instance, you can find various running loops and hiking paths around Herstappe that allow you to experience the surrounding landscape and potentially spot some castles from a distance. Check the hiking guide and running trails guide for detailed routes.
The spring and summer months are ideal, especially for castles like Heks Castle, where the gardens and park are a major attraction. The rose garden is particularly beautiful during these seasons. The gardens and park of Heks Castle are typically open to the public during the first weekend of June and the second weekend of September.
Lexhy Castle stands on land with a history of constructions dating back to a simple tower erected around 1140, with a second castle built in the 15th century before the current 19th-century structure. Castle of Betho was first mentioned in 1267, with parts of its current structure dating back to the mid-17th century, showcasing centuries of noble family ownership.
Information on wheelchair accessibility for specific castle paths is not always readily available. While the general landscape around Herstappe is gently hilly, direct access to castle interiors or specific garden paths may vary. It is recommended to check with individual castle administrations or local tourist information for the most up-to-date accessibility details.
Castle of Betho is notable for its impressive, partially moated design and its symmetrical layout, with the castle and its accompanying farm arranged around two connecting courtyards. Its medieval origins, first mentioned in 1267, and the presence of a tower on each corner contribute to its distinct architectural and historical character.
Widooie Castle offers a tangible sense of history through its preserved architecture. You can observe marlstone bands, ornate wall anchors, and a stately gate from 1662 that still bears the coat of arms of Richard Vaes. The complex includes a corner tower, a classically renovated residential wing, and 17th-century barns, all telling the story of generations who resided there.
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity of Herstappe. You can find various running loops, such as a 'Running loop from Herstappe' which is about 5.3 km long and has a moderate difficulty. These trails offer a great way to experience the local landscape while getting some exercise. More options are available in the Running Trails around Herstappe guide.


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